You know what really makes you and me alike? We are both made up of billions and billions of cells, and even smaller atoms. These atoms make up all everyday matter, and until the early 20th century, many people thought they were the smallest building blocks of life. They, too, were later discovered to contain even smaller parts called subatomic particles. In short, these particles often have interesting characteristics that make the universe work. Understanding these subatomic particles is crucial to understanding the idea that all matter is dramatically linked. Without these particles, we would not know the most fundamental building blocks of life and we would not have particle physics in general. Elementary particles help us understand the specifics of atoms, and without them there would be no standard model. They are also quite interesting: they are found in animals; found in food; found in space. They both keep us alive and are responsible for many phenomena. Elementary particles are important to us because they help build atoms, include important force carriers, and open the way to new thoughts and ideas on different topics, such as quantum physics. Quarks make up protons and neutrons, while leptons make up electrons. The combinations of these fermions are essentially why we have different elements, since they make up the different particles of atoms. Remember that elements are substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances and are the main constituents of matter. They are important and they exist thanks to these fermions. This makes the relationship between quarks and leptons extremely important. Let's take this simple example: why aren't there elements made up of only neutrons (quarks)? T...... middle of paper ......the universe is crucial. For all these reasons, elementary particles are important. They provide us with a clear understanding of atoms and the relationship between fermions and elements. They include force carriers and the forces they carry. And finally, they always ask us new questions and answers. Without elementary particles, our understanding of the universe would be incomplete. They do so much while being awfully small, and that's why they're so important. Instead of looking at vast galaxies and huge stars for an explanation of the universe, why not look at the simplest and smallest things? This is why understanding the nature of elementary particles brings us even closer to understanding the entire universe. It provides us with answers to questions such as: what is it made of, how it was made and what laws it obeys. And that's why they are "fundamentally" important.